Otto takes his tools and has Moved on., Leamon S. PreTech Alex. Mike D and a host of others Options

[Heeltoe914]

I just got word that a Great Driver, A 914 enthusiast who truly lived and breathed 914s, 911s and the Porsche dream has passed. My friend John Williamson.
We all know the knowledge and creations of John. I can truly smile at some of the things I remember him for. I was a 20 year kid going to school in West Los Angeles, I wanted so much to get into 914s. But I had the below average college funding. I found a $1000 non-running 914 and needed some advise to get it going. I found John, AKA; OTTO. First thing he said to me was "take the motor out bring it in we will look at it". I said "I don't have that kind of money!"
Before I could say another word he put a book in my hand and ask me what kind of work can I do. I said I do construction. The next week I bring the motor in and before I can even go take a piss he had the heads off. I said "Whoa! Stop I cant afford this."
Anyone who knew Otto will agree that it does not matter what you say, he is going to do it his way. From that day he showed me all the little tricks on how to do 914 motors. Never did I pay anything, but blood and sweat, working around his shop from time to time.
Fast forward 30 years later, I will miss the great conversation on racing and the personal trust that him and I had. I hope that like me, several of you will understand this loss to the Porsche world. But know like me, that they must have needed a mechanic in heaven.

R.I.P - John Williamson 2-8-13.

Plans are to have ashes spread at Willow springs Details as thay develop.


Enjoyable Reads;

http://www.yovenice.com/2013/02/10/rip-john-otto-williamson/


___________________________________________________
Leamon S

[tod914]

Real sorry to hear that. John was definetly a character (meant in a good way). Always enjoyed talking to him. He got me out of a bind with my 1st 914 too. A few of the local shops couldn't figure out why the car was running so poorly after warm up. Dropped it off Ottos, got a call an hour later. "Your heads are put on wrong and temp sensor is just hanging there." Problem solved.
RIP John

[brant]

thank you for the news.
I'm sorry to hear it though
I never met John in person
but did have a few good phone calls with him over the last 15 years

sad to hear it.

[sixnotfour]

RIP OTTO
Glad I got to meet him and BS with him at a few events.

One of a kind.

[JRust]

RIP brother (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) . Sad news to be sure. Met Otto a couple times through the years. A little quirky but what teener isn't

[Chris H.]

"Otto's Venice" Otto? Well that sucks. Nice guy. He sold me my re-chromed rear bumper for $15 with $350 shipping. Does that sound like him or what? RIP John...

[Elliot Cannon]

I sat next to him at the breakfast just befor the 2005 WCC. I think he got kinda tired of all the questions. RIP (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Jeffs9146]

"Otto's Venice" Otto? Well that sucks. Nice guy.

If it is Otto's Venice then I met him in 1979 when he replaced my clutch on my first 914!!

Sorry to hear!!

Here is a photo of the car he worked on back then!

[SLITS]

Godspeed John ... one hell of a person & racer.

[ejm]

RIP John. Real nice guy. Gave Jen and I a tour of his shop when we were out for WCC05. She happened to call while I was reading this thread. Had a good laugh with her retelling how John took her out on the Streets of Willow in his green 914. Passing cars with twice the hp and putting his cigar in the ashtray when he needed both hands on the wheel. He was one of a kind and will be missed.

[Michelj13]

Sorry to hear that John has passed. He was a character for sure and shared his knowledge and love for Porsches. And, did I say he was a character (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I got a few hard to find parts from his shop. He would say, 'Go back there and find what you need and we'll figure out a price later" He was always reasonable.

He could drive too. I saw him get FTD at a few POC events.

RIP John

[GaroldShaffer]

Never met him in person, but talked a few times on the phone.

RIP John

[GeorgeRud]

R.I.P. John

I first talked to him years ago when I wanted to start my conversion. He sent the parts that I needed, with the instructions to send him a check if I liked them, or send them back if they weren't what I needed. Unheard of these days!

He truly did enjoy being a bit offbeat, but his knowledge and and help will never be forgotten by this enthusiast. I really enjoyed having had the opportunity to converse and visit with him when we were out in Venice.

He was one of a kind and will be missed.

[Maltese Falcon]

John and I would always come up with some joke about cars.
The 912e, we nicknamed the Stuttgart Edsel !
I will surely miss JW
Marty

[Black22]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Michael N]

I had the pleasure of having Otto show me the lines of the track during WCC 05 at The Streets of Willows. What a character. He to this day has driven my car faster than I ever have. Scared the crap out of me but was in control all the time. Really cool that he came with headsets to instruct and loads of knowledge. Otto chasing down Siverson's orange beauty scared the living crap out of me.

R.I.P.

[914]

John was a great guy.. He talked with my kind of humor.When parts were needed he would point you to the loft,find them and bring them down..Otto worked on my "four"over the years .He Really new 914's.Rest In Peace my friend..

[SirAndy]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Cap'n Krusty]

Spanky's gone? I am pretty much stunned. I worked with him off and on, he got me into P-car school, and we've talked on the phone many times over the years. My kids will be shocked, too.

Bye, Otto! May your trunk be always filled with beer, or maybe Cuba Libres, and may you always be on the line ............................. We'll miss you.

BTW, he got me started in this biz, befriending me when I couldn't get a job after I got out of the AF, getting the dealership where he worked to sponsor me at school, showing me how to get around Willow in my Speedster, letting me crew for him at the Laguna Parade in the 70s, and helping me get a job at Porschop when I was ready to leave the dealership.

The Cap'n

[SUNAB914]

Is this the same Otto that was a retired Marine? If so he had me laughing over the phone so hard with old Marine stories.
RIP and Semper Fi old friend!